An ulu is a traditional Alaska Native knife with a broad, curved blade and a handle set above it. You rock the blade through food with a downward push, which makes quick work of herbs, pizza, vegetables and boneless meat. Mezzaluna-style rockers work on the same principle.
The six picks below include true ulu knives and two rocking choppers that cut in a similar way. We have not used these products ourselves, so confirm blade size, steel type and handle material on the current listing before you buy. Any sharpness or durability claim is the maker’s own.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Blade steel | Stainless resists rust; carbon steel holds an edge but needs drying |
| Handle | Wood, bone or composite handles change comfort and upkeep |
| Blade curve | A gentle curve rocks smoothly through herbs and dough |
| Bowl or board | A shallow bowl lets you chop in a contained space |
| Sheath | A cover protects the edge and your fingers in storage |
Specs at a Glance
| Knife | Type | Blade | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dalstrong Ulu | Ulu knife | High-carbon steel, per the maker | Modern handle styling |
| Alaska Ulu Factory Ulu | Ulu knife | Stainless steel | Traditional wood handle style |
| Alaskan Ulu Company Ulu | Ulu knife | Stainless steel | Often paired with a wooden bowl |
| Ulu with Chopping Bowl | Ulu set | Stainless steel | Bowl keeps ingredients together |
| Messermeister Mezzaluna | Rocking chopper | Stainless steel | Two-handled design |
| Kuhn Rikon Mezzaluna | Rocking chopper | Stainless steel | Good for herbs |
The 6 Best Ulu Knife Picks
1. Dalstrong Ulu Knife
A modern take on the ulu from a brand known for dramatic styling. The curved blade rocks through vegetables, pizza and herbs, and the handle is shaped for a firm grip.
Suits: cooks who want a contemporary ulu. Strengths: strong presentation and a sheath. Weaknesses: a high-carbon blade needs careful drying. Skip it if you want a traditional look.
View Dalstrong Ulu Knife on Amazon
2. Alaska Ulu Factory Ulu Knife
A traditional-style ulu sold by a company based in Alaska, with a stainless blade and a wood handle. It is the sort of knife often given as a souvenir that ends up in daily use.
Suits: authentic, simple ulu cooking. Strengths: classic shape and regional heritage. Weaknesses: wood handles should not soak. Skip it if you want a modern synthetic grip.
View Alaska Ulu Factory Ulu on Amazon
3. Alaskan Ulu Company Ulu Knife
Another Alaskan-made style of ulu with a stainless blade, offered in several handle variants. It makes a good all-purpose rocker for the kitchen or the campsite.
Suits: general kitchen chopping. Strengths: a time-tested blade shape. Weaknesses: handle options vary by listing. Skip it if you want a specific handle without checking.
View Alaskan Ulu Company Ulu on Amazon
4. Ulu Knife with Wooden Chopping Bowl Set
A common bundle that pairs an ulu with a shallow wooden bowl, designed so ingredients stay in one place as you rock the blade. Check the current listing for the bowl wood and blade details.
Suits: herbs, nuts and small-batch chopping. Strengths: a complete, contained setup. Weaknesses: the bowl takes up storage space. Skip it if you already own a board.
View Ulu Knife and Chopping Bowl Set on Amazon
5. Messermeister Mezzaluna
A double-handled rocking knife from a respected knife maker. It is not a true ulu, but the rocking motion is the same and it suits herbs and soft vegetables.
Suits: herb chopping. Strengths: a stable two-handed grip. Weaknesses: it is awkward on large items. Skip it if you want one-handed use.
View Messermeister Mezzaluna on Amazon
6. Kuhn Rikon Mezzaluna
A Swiss-made style of rocking chopper with a stainless blade and a protective cover. A neat low-fuss option for salads, garlic and fresh herbs.
Suits: small prep tasks. Strengths: a cover for safe storage. Weaknesses: not for tough ingredients. Skip it if you cut hard vegetables.
View Kuhn Rikon Mezzaluna on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Wash by hand and dry the blade right away.
- Keep wood handles out of the dishwasher.
- Use a flat, stable board or bowl to rock on.
- Store with a cover or sheath on the edge.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Slicing with a pulling motion instead of rocking.
- Hitting a hard surface such as stone or ceramic.
- Leaving a carbon blade wet overnight.
- Expecting a rocker to replace a chef’s knife.
Ulu Knife FAQ
What is an ulu used for?
It chops herbs, slices pizza, cuts vegetables and trims boneless meat with a rocking motion.
Is an ulu hard to use?
No. The grip sits over the blade, so the push comes from your wrist and arm.
How do you sharpen one?
Use a stone or a guided sharpener along the curve. Take your time on the arc.
Is it right for left-handed cooks?
Most ulus are symmetrical, so they suit both hands.
The Short Version
For a modern ulu, the Dalstrong. For tradition, the Alaska Ulu Factory. For a simple all-rounder, the Alaskan Ulu Company. For a contained set, the bowl bundle. For herbs, the Messermeister or the Kuhn Rikon.
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